Friday, April 09, 2010

Simply the best thing I have seen...

...in science fiction since The Matrix.

Like the first Matrix movie, Ergo Proxy is sexy science fiction. That being said, it's not for everyone. I watched each of the 23 episodes twice, and I am reasonably sure that I understand the plot and most of what its writers meant to imply. The show is densely layered with references to philosophy and previous works of science fiction as well as popular and classical culture. Essentially post-apocalyptic cyberpunk with an understated goth aesthetic, it deals with themes of social engineering, identity, and environmental issues, and none of it is straight forward. Rather it is a web of mysteries and concepts explored in a wonderfully indirect manner and at its own pace.

And it's certainly been awhile since a group of writers made me feel so invested in the wellbeing and personal development of the characters. If you are up for an emotionally rewarding puzzle-solving challenge, this series is for you.